Ahn Cheol-soo: "Yangduguyuk? People Around Say 'They're All the Same'... Politics Must Focus on People's Livelihood"

"An Unfortunate Mistake at an Inopportune Time" in the 'Naebujongjil' Message

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is speaking at the discussion forum "Scientific Quarantine and Vaccine Sovereignty in the Era of Repeated Pandemics," held on the 26th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, titled "Beyond Crisis to the Future: Civil, Party, and Government Discussion Forum." Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, evaluated the messages exchanged between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Kwon Seong-dong, the acting party leader and floor leader, as "a bad mistake at a bad time."

In an interview with BBS Radio on the 29th, Ahn said, "With the global economic downturn and the rapid spread of a new COVID-19 variant, the suffering of the people is increasing. At times like this, the political sphere should focus on solutions to livelihood issues," adding, "There should be no more noise."

Regarding the recent use of the expression 'yangduguyuk' (literally 'a dog’s head with a sheep’s meat') by Representative Lee Jun-seok, he said, "The people I meet express great disappointment in politics to the extent of using harsh expressions like 'they are all the same guys.'"

When asked if he emotionally sympathizes with the expression 'yangduguyuk,' Ahn replied, "I have mixed feelings," but added, "It is not a one-sided unfair victim narrative from either side. From each perspective, one side is at fault, and the other side is harsh. This phenomenon has appeared repeatedly."

He said, "As a politician myself, I reflect on this and believe that proper politics should be conducted with a focus on solving livelihood issues," adding, "Livelihood problems must be resolved first before anyone can hold power. If we only engage in power struggles without solving livelihood problems, how can that look good?"

Regarding why the political sphere fails to focus on livelihood issues, he said, "Politics in Yeouido tends to become like a lifestyle where each side only looks at the other," adding, "In reality, the most important factor in politics is the people as judges. But if you ignore the judgment of the people and only try to knock down the opponent in front of you, that’s what happens." He continued, "Looking back at the impeachment of former President Roh Moo-hyun, the side that succeeded in the impeachment cheered, but they suffered a crushing defeat in the general election judged by the people," and said, "Now, the political sphere must pay attention to the people. Isn’t it because the people allowed us to do politics in Yeouido to solve livelihood issues?"

He also said that the police investigation results related to Representative Lee should come out quickly. Ahn said, "If the investigation reveals the facts, Lee’s return will be impossible, and the party must quickly proceed to reorganize the leadership system. If it turns out not to be true, we must collectively seek the best path for the party and Lee Jun-seok as a politician." However, he also predicted that even if Lee is cleared of charges, returning as party leader would be difficult. He added, "I think now is the time for Lee to reflect quietly," and said, "Waiting for the police investigation conclusion and then actively acting and striving for his future path will present a good image to the people."

Regarding public opinion about holding a parliamentary meeting next week to ask whether to reaffirm Kwon’s leadership, he said, "If the reaffirmation fails, we must go to an early party convention," adding, "There is no other way."

Regarding reports that a '70 million won investment memorandum' influenced the unification of presidential candidates, he said, "I have neither seen nor heard of such a thing on site," and firmly stated, "At that time, Lee Jun-seok’s position was not considered at all in that table situation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.